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The View from Here

Facebook is celebrating its tenth birthday this week.

I’ve been rattling around on the internet just about as long. I thought when I first started blogging that I would connect with some friends and family members who are scattered about. I thought I would clarify some of my thoughts and ideas. I thought I would share some memories of my life. I have…but I have done so much more.

I have changed. And my view has changed.

I’ve changed because of the thoughts and ideas and comments of other people. I’ve changed because my view has expanded to include horizons I previously couldn’t see. I’ve changed because I’ve learned to appreciate people I formerly hadn’t even acknowledged.

What is ironic is that I have changed in ways that my younger self would find appalling. I AM my mother! I have simplified my life. I care more about health than looks. I care more about peace than wealth. I care more about comfort and safety than excitement and entertainment. I enjoy quiet activities. I love to share in the triumphs of others and I also mourn their tragedies. I worry less and pray more. I wonder about more things and question my purpose in life. I am fascinated by a couple of new directions my life has taken.

I suppose that I have been thinking along these lines because of my birthday. However, there is another reason for my introspection. During the holiday break I came across this photo of the city where I spent half my life, and I realized that I have now spent the other half here in the country. I look at that photo of the city and I remember climbing those courthouse steps and catching the bus to go home and wandering around the streets shopping. I remember living an entirely different life, and I wonder what would have become of me if we had stayed there. I’m sure I would have survived. But I’m not sure I would have been as happy as I am now. I think God knew that I needed to return to my roots. I needed to get back to the basics of life. I needed the view that I have now. And I needed YOU. Thank you for continuing to share this view and this journey with me.